Jurgen Klopp: Champions League would be icing on the cake for Liverpool

Friday, May 19, 2017 - 03:32 PM

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has money to spend in this summer's transfer market and believes Champions League football will be the "icing on the cake" for prospective targets.

However, he believes the historical "power and size" of the club has been enhanced by the success of this campaign and the vibe he has got from enquiries already made for potential signings is more positive than this time last year.

Nevertheless, securing a top-four finish is imperative on the final weekend of the season if that bubble is not to be burst.

"The Champions League, for different reasons, is a wonderful competition," said Klopp.

"You can earn a lot of money there, that's money we didn't have last year - but we are already in a good position.

"We are a club without financial problems and we have money to spend but it makes sense to think before we spend and that is what we are doing."

A victory over Middlesbrough on Sunday will guarantee Champions League football and that could be the final convincing factor when it comes down to a player deciding whether to join Klopp at Anfield.

"The Champions League would be the icing on the cake but that's it," he added.

"It should not sound negative but if Champions League is the only reason why a player is coming it makes no sense for him or for us because one year of not qualifying and the player decides (he) wants another Champions League club.

"It is important for players because that is what they want to play but the progress and development and positive perspective of a club is important for players and we are powerful in a lot of parts of the game.

"We will be successful in the future but for this we need the players, of course. We have very good players and we need a few more."

Fourth-placed Liverpool are a point ahead of Arsenal heading into the last game and as long as they match the Gunners' result they will play in Europe's elite competition for only the second time in the last eight years.